Organize This: Making hay while the sun shines

Time to kick back and relax! Youíre work is done. Yard work is pretty much a memory and quite possibly all that hard work is for naught as things are beginning to shrivel from the heat. Regardless, there is a sense of satisfaction in its completion. Garages are cleaned, gardens are planted and you are probably reaping its benefits by now.

Therefore, this is a great time to begin making your checklists for fall. I know, I know, you donít want to hear it, canít there just be a miniscule amount of down time? However, time does fly as we all know and there is nothing like being ahead of the game.

Iím not going to prod you into over-scheduling yourselves already, I just want to plant a seed that now is as good a time as any to begin thinking about some fall projects once the kids get back to school. I say that because there are limited summer months to enjoy and there is always a project looming. Decide what can and should wait until September or October, either when the weather is more mild or when the children are occupied with schoolwork, and designate those tasks for that timeframe. This will help you decide what is left that needs some attention from you this summer and how you will divvy up your days and weeks accordingly. Being certain that you save many a lazy summer day for doing just that; being lazy. You deserve it, right?

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Right now Iím kind of back peddling just a tad and getting to a few things that I postponed due to a trip and a U-Haul move for our oldest.

Now Iím looking ahead to the things needing dire attention. I have a couple catch-all type rooms in my house. When we finished our basement my husband intentionally created very little storage spaces so that we wouldnít over-accumulate. Mind you, our boys were then ages 1, 3 and 8. Since that time we have surely accumulated more than he would wish for and I have had to utilize every single nook and cranny available for the reason stated above. That said, those nooks and crannies surely could use a good cleaning out. It doesnít take much time but it is what Iíd refer to as a chore and not an enjoyable task at all. Needless to say, it must be done.

Pick a rainy day for tending to such a task. Most definitely donít waste sunshine. Take a walk, a bike ride, trim your lawn with scissors, anything to stay outside if the sun is shining!

I seem to get creative in the cooler, indoor months anyway. If you do too, begin to plan your projects. Maybe you knit, crochet, scrapbook or do woodworking. Plan out your gift giving as it relates to your home made items and stock up on your supplies now. Iím noticing many a sale on just such creative items. This is a great time to stock up!

Iíve even been known to sketch out some holiday gift giving ideas and I always have my eyes open when Iím out in the malls this time of year because the sales are plentiful. If you can remember what youíve purchased and where youíve stashed it (keyÖalong with the receipt, of course) then you are that much ahead of the game. I have many a tip to share in regard to holiday preparations so be sure to check back with me shortly. As I mentioned, time waits for no one!

Be productive but also be sure to salvage a little more down time while the days are long!

Miriam S. Cash is the owner of Equilibrium Design and Consulting of East Goshen. More information is available at www.designsbyequilibrium.com.